Premier League: Aston Villa vs Newcastle match preview

A look ahead to Saturday’s Premier League fixture at Villa Park

Andreas Weimann celebrates the goal that put Aston Villa into the lead at the Britannia, he fired home from a narrow angle (Getty Images)

Newcastle’s campaign got underway last weekend in much the same way that last season’s fizzled out – without a win. However, the atmosphere inside St. James’ Park couldn’t have been more different. Whereas Pardew came under increasing pressure from dissenting fans last season, the crowd roared in approval against Manchester City as the Magpies went all guns blazing for a late equaliser.

It wasn’t to be that afternoon, but Pardew’s new signings showed real promise. Pardew has once again mined the French market and while Emmanuel Riviere didn’t really find his feet, Remy Cabella looked assured and skilful on the ball. Add in Jack Colback’s outstanding performance in the middle of the park life after Yohan Cabaye and Loic Remy doesn’t look quite so bleak after all. Another new signing, Siem de Jong, looks set to make his Premier League debut here, having recovered from the calf injury that sidelined him last week.

Last season was bleak for Aston Villa, too, but they’ve got off to a bright start this time around. To come away from the Britannia Stadium with three points is no mean feat and to do so with a clean sheet will have pleased boss Paul Lambert. Andreas Weimann netted the winner that day and, with Christian Benteke out injured until October, it will fall upon the Austrian to reproduce the goods again this weekend.

KICK-OFF: Saturday, 12.45pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Newcastle 1 (Remy) Aston Villa 0, Premier League, February 2014

Aston Villa 1 (Benteke) Newcastle 2 (Ben Arfa, Gouffran), September 2013

Aston Villa 1 (Benteke) Newcastle 2 (Cisse, Cabaye), January 2013

Jack Colback in action last week

STATS…

Aston Villa haven’t beaten Newcastle, home or away, in six games.

Newcastle have claimed maximum points from four of the sides’ last five meetings.

The last time Villa won their opening two Premier League fixtures was all the way back in 1999.

Newcastle have lost eight of their last nine Premier League games.

ODDS…

Villa to win: 2.5

Newcastle to win: 2.8

Draw: 3.3

TV:

Live on BT Sport 1 at 12.45pm. Highlights on BBC1 at 10.30pm.